World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is celebrated annually on 17th May to raise awareness of the potential of the Internet and other information and communication technologies to improve people’s quality of life and help bridge the digital divide. WTISD 2026 marks the 161st anniversary of the First International Telegraph Convention which led to the establishment of the International Telecommunication Union(ITU).
To celebrate WTISD 2026, ITU encouraged Member States to promote the theme “Digital lifelines – Strengthening resilience in a connected world.” Necessary arrangements have been made to publish WTISD 2026 special messages from H.E. the President, the Hon. Prime Minister, the Hon. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, the Chairman, and the Director General of TRCSL in Sinhala, Tamil, and English in newspapers to create public awareness in line with the WTISD theme. An awareness programme aligned with the WTISD 2026 theme “Digital Lifelines – Strengthening Resilience in a Connected World” was also conducted at the TRCSL Auditorium with the participation of TRCSL staff. The programme included informative sessions delivered by a Professor from the Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering, University of Moratuwa and an official from SLCERT focusing on relevant areas connected to the theme and its importance in the current digital landscape.
WTISD 2026 Special Messages and Newspaper Articles
ITU Secretary General's WTISD 2026 Message
